What: Middle Yukon Fires/Ruby Area FiresCause: LightningLocation: A series of fires are located near Ruby, Alaska on the Galena Fire Management Zone and the western end of the Tanana Zone. The major firefighting efforts at this time are concentrated on 3 fires on the south side of the Yukon River near the village of Ruby.Fire Names: The following fires are now being reported in the daily Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) as “Ruby Area Fires”: Bruno Creek Fire#479 (15,232 acres), Trail Creek Fire #599 (32,687 acres), and Big Creek Two Fire #533 (332,451) acres. The following fires are in monitor status: Ruby Slough Fire #423 (49 acres), Eldorado Fire #576 (6 acres), Little Moose Fire #411 (761 acres), Melozitna 2 Fire #419 (3,357 acres), and the Gentian Fire #519 (14,065 acres)Size: Approximately 395,111 acres.

Heavy rains occurred overnight in Ruby, and across the area. Late yesterday afternoon, prior to the rain, fire activity observed on the Big Creek Two Fire was mostly creeping with isolated torching. Rains will slow fire activity today, but will not extinguish the fires. The forecast is for rain showers for the next several days.

A public meeting to discuss the current status of the Ruby Area Fires will be held on Tuesday, July 21st at 7:00pm at the Community Hall in Ruby.

Bruno Creek Fire: The Ruby Type 2 Crew worked yesterday on improving the visibility of fire vehicles and personnel working along Poorman Road, by thinning some vegetation on blind corners. The public is urged to limit travel along the Poorman Road and be watchful of crews working along the road.

Big Creek Two Fire: Additional Firefighters will be placed on the east side of the fire to continue with structure protection efforts on the remote cabins located there.

Trail Creek Fire: Today structures west of the fire will be assessed and scouting continues for a contingency fireline to be constructed in the Glen Gulch area.

Yukon River area: Backhaul of equipment and supplies occurred yesterday on the Shovel Fire.

There is a Notice to Airmen in effect for a 25-mile radius around the village of Ruby.